KCRA 3 to air one-hour bullying special

Bullying, it’s not a one size fits all problem and there are no easy solutions. But it’s a problem that can no longer be ignored.

KCRA 3, in partnership with Yoursphere.com, ConnecTV, the United States Attorney’s Office¬ and Byers’ Leafguard Gutter Systems & Byers’ Roofing Systems have teamed up for a special multi-platform campaign to help parents, students and schools across the valley stand up to bullying.

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. KCRA 3 will air “Bully,” a special that explores the causes and consequences of bullying and how parents, students and educators are working together to more effectively stop the problem. Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Teo Torres, Lisa Gonzales, and a special audience of students, some bullied, some former bullies and bystanders will discuss how deep the problem goes, what’s working to stop bullying and what’s adding fuel to the fire.

“We are extremely proud of our news special on bullying. Our team of reporters, photographers and producers spent long hours digging deep into this epidemic. We talked with teachers, parents and kids. Their stories were both troubling and heartbreaking,” said Lori Waldon, KCRA 3 News Director. “Bullying crosses racial, geographic and socio-economic boundaries. Our hope is to shine a huge light on this problem for local schools and families. We want to help them find comfort, strength and answers.”

“Bullying is not a rite of passage; it has profound consequences for both those who engage in bullying and those who are bullied. If unchecked, bullying can be a step down a path that can ultimately lead youth to real criminal penalties,” said United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner. “For the victims of bullying, the effects can also be severe: depression, dropping out of school and even suicide are all too common. My office is committed to actively engaging with our community and law enforcement partners to ensure that this problem gets the attention it deserves now, so that today’s bully doesn’t become tomorrow’s civil rights defendant.”

“Bullying is a choice. Every child and teen has the power to choose not to bully,” said Mary Kay Hoal, Founder, President, Yoursphere Media, Inc. “We at Yoursphere.com are dedicated to making this a reality, while also bringing this message and education to all young people. We are honored to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office and KCRA in support of the "I Choose" Anti-Bullying Campaign to end bullying in schools and communities. We invite parents to support this empowering message by teaching their children that their choices truly matter.”

KCRA 3 invites families to watch this not-to-be-missed program and weigh in about their own experiences with bullying. A phone bank of experts from school districts, government agencies and Yoursphere will be available to answer questions from parents, kids and teachers. KCRA 3 and Yoursphere.com are also providing continuing education and resources for students, teachers and parents. Those resources can be found at KCRA.com/bully.

Viewers may also log on to the iPad ConnecTV app, downloadable for free at the Apple store, and participate in live discussions. The ConnecTV app will have polls and questions designed to start discussions with live experts who will be available to offer solutions and resources to get help.

Participating Educators:Breen Elementary SchoolCapital Christian High SchoolDavis Joint Unified School DistrictEl Dorado Unified School DistrictElk Grove Unified School DistrictFolsom Cordova Unified School DistrictJesuit High SchoolLincoln High SchoolMarysville Joint Unified School DistrictNatomas Station ElementaryNevada County Office of EducationNevada Joint Union High School DistrictOakridge High SchoolSacramento Charter Valley SchoolSacramento City Unified School DistrictSan Juan Unified School DistrictSan Joaquin County Office of EducationStanislaus County Office of EducationTwin Rivers Unified School DistrictWestern Placer Unified School DistrictTurlock Unified School DistrictWashington Unified School DistrictWoodland Joint Unified School DistrictYolo County Office of EducationYuba Gardens Intermediate

"Powered" and inspired by the Yoursphere.com members, "I Choose" is the Yoursphere Media Foundation and Coalition for Internet Safety Education and Reform's (FCISER) 501 (c) (3) nationally recognized anti-bullying education campaign. Each of us is invited to join the "I Choose" campaign by choosing friendship, kindness, compassion, love or respect instead of bullying. Educators are invited to receive their own "I Choose" classroom challenge kit. To make your choice, or to receive your challenge kit, go to: www.whatdoyouchoose.org.

ABOUT HEARST TELEVISIONHearst Television, a national multi-media company, owns and operates 29 local television stations and two local radio stations, serving 30 U.S. cities and reaching approximately 18% of U.S. television households. The TV stations broadcast 60 video channels, featuring local and national news, weather, information, sports and entertainment programming, and local community service-oriented programs. The stations also host and operate digital on-line and mobile platforms that extend the company’s brands and content to local, national and international audiences. Hearst Television is recognized as one of the industry's premier companies, and has been honored with numerous awards for distinguished journalism, industry innovation, and community service. Hearst Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation, which in 2012 celebrates its 125th Anniversary – including 64 years in television and 84 years in radio. Hearst Television’s Web address is www.hearsttelevision.com.